What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction that can affect breathing, circulation, skin, and the digestive system. Symptoms may include widespread hives or flushing, swelling of the lips or tongue, hoarse voice, tightness in the throat, wheezing, severe shortness of breath, stomach pain, vomiting, or sudden weakness. It can follow exposure to food, an insect sting, medicine, or another trigger. Skin changes may be absent, so do not wait for a rash before treating a suspected emergency.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed and anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions. Call emergency services, state that anaphylaxis is suspected, and follow the dispatcher’s advice. Lie the person down with legs raised if tolerated; allow them to sit up if breathing is easier that way. Do not let them stand or walk. A second prescribed injector may be needed if symptoms continue and emergency help has not arrived. Stay with the person and take their allergy plan or medicines if available.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency. Call emergency services at once for breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat swelling, difficulty swallowing, faintness, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms after a possible allergen exposure. Anyone treated with an adrenaline injector needs emergency assessment because symptoms can return and further observation or treatment may be needed.

What was the likely trigger, and should I have allergy testing? Do I need an updated emergency action plan and more than one injector? How should family, school, or colleagues recognise my symptoms and respond?